Stop motion system for knitting machines



Dec. 16, 1947.

E. VOSSEN STOP MOTION SYSTEM FOR KNITTTNG MACHINES Filed Oct. 17, 1946 4Sheets-Sheet 2 lA/l/ENT R EDWHRD Vosse/v f7 Wok/w CONTROLLER. C/RCUIfDec. 16, 1947. E. VOSSEN 2,432,953

STOP MOTION SYSTEM FOR KNITTTNG MACHINES Filed Oct. 17, 1946QSheets-Sheet 3 IVOKMHIL) CL 0550 4 TTOAA/Ex Patented Dec. 16, 19a! STOPMOTION SYSTEM FOR Kmr'rnvo. mcnmns Edward Vossen, Brooklyn, N. Y.,asslgnor to Stop- Motion Devices Corporation, Brooklyn, N. Y., acorporation of New York Application October 17, 1946, Serial N0. 703,856I 1 This invention relates to new and useful improvements in stop motionsystems for knitting machines.

At the present time knitting machines are" equip d with a large numberof automatic stop motion switches which are adapted to be closed bydefects in the yarn'or thread of the knitting machine. Each thread isprotected by one or more of these automatic stop motion switches locatedat diiferent places along the threads. These automatic stop motionswitches come in various types and designs, depending primarily on theirlocation at different strategic points upon the knitting machine. Someare located on the yarn head of the knitting machine, while others are vlocated in the vicinity of the needles. Those stop motion switches whichare located on the yarn head are high up and often quite close to theceiling, and hard to see and reach.

When the controller of the knitting machine stops the machine theoperator in charge of a group of machines usually wastes considerabletime in locating which one of the automatic stop motion switches closedand caused the operation of the controller which then stops the machine.Those stop motion switches located near the viclnity oi the needles ofthe machine are readily Claims. (Cl. 88-163) obliged to look and examineall around the maaccessible to be closely inspected and the of! 7 switchmay be easily reset. To reset one ofthe "switches on the head of theknittingmachine caused the controller to operate and stop the machine. V

The advantages of a signal system as proposed .by this invention maybest be realized by noting that knitting machines as constructed at thepresent time have 32, 36, 48, 64, 72, 84 or 96 feeds. This "means thatthere are this many or more threads of yarn being fed into the machineand that there are as many cones of yarn as the number of feeds. It isalso well to note that any machine, or' any numberof machines, maydouble up on their yarn, and each will then be in effect the same as amultiple of the feeds of the machine. For example, a 32 feed machinerunning two yarns per feed would have 64 yarns each of which requiresone or more stop motion switches for each thread. An operator in a millusually attends to more than one machine. For example an operatorattending three 64 feed machines would be required to attend to 192threads of yarn. It is quite obvious that the human eye cannot possiblywatch that many threads. In addltlon, diflerent yarns of difierentcolors are used which makes it even more difflcult to spot a broken orloose thread from a distance.

During the operation 01' the knitting machfif by process 0! events, athread breaks or an end chine until he locates the faulty thread. Thisoccurs dozens of times a day. depending upon the condition and quality01' the yarn. The physical eflort expended and the time lost istherefore of great consequence. Production is impeded. With thisinvention when the knitting machine stops. the operator simply operatesthe signal system and a signal thereof goes on in one group of the stopmotion switches indicating to the operator that theloose or brokenthread is in that group. Thus the operator is enabled to find the looseor broken yarn rapidly.

In reality the invention actually reduces a 64- end stop motion systemto a iii-end stop motion system. when the stop motion switches aredivided into 4 groups in so tar as the eilort of the operator isconcerned, in locating the broken or defective yarn. In accordance withthis invention it, is proposed that any number of signals may be used.That is, the stop motion switches may be grouped into 4 sections, 6,8,10, etc., and each section or group will have its own signal, therebyreducing the problem of finding the broken or defective yarn further.Preferably the signals are visible, such as signal lamps.

A further advantage of the new signal system resides in the fact thatshould any one or more of the stop motion switches develop a shortcircuit, which would also cause the knitting machine to stop, theoperator can rapidly locate the defective stop motion switch by limitingit within a certain group of the stop motion switches, in

is proposed to so arrange each signal that if any stop motion switch ofthe group closes the signal will be operable to indicate this condition.A'push button or other type or switch is provided, to act as a testingswitch, which may be closed to cause the specific signal to function.Preferably, the signals are in the nature of small lamps. When the lampof any group of stop motion switches becomes lit, when the testingswitch is closed, the operator knows that the closed switch whichoperated the controller is located within that group. Since the field ofsearch is thus reduced the operator can locate the closed switch in amoment.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new stop motion signalsystem which has a sim ple electric circuit which is exceptionallyreliable and efficient in operationfIt is proposed to provide thecircuit with a number of resistors arranged in a pertain way to supplythe correct amount of current to the signals as needed, and

I to supply the correct amount of current to the controller of theknitting machine so as not to interfere with the action and operation ofthe stop motion device.

The invention also proposes an improved circuit for the bottom group ofstop motion switches generally used on knitting machines, that is thosestop motion switches before the yarn carriers which are placed above thefeeds near the peedles. It is proposed to place resistors in the circuitso that the contacts of these stop motion switches will not burn, or arewhen the testing switch is closed. A further feature oi the invention isthat only one wire is required to connect the top group or groups ofstop motion switches to the lower (yarn carrier) group of stop motionswitches and only one wire is used to the transformer. With this onewire system there can be no wrong hook ups. The invention saves time,trouble and temper during installation and operation and is therefore agreat aid to production.

Another object of the invention is the construction of a device asdescribed which is simple and durable and which may be manufactured andsold at a reasonable cost.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects andadvantages thereof, reference will be had to the following descriptionand accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which thevarious novel features of the inventionare more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure-Fig. 1 is an elevational view of the supports for the stop motionswitches of a knitting machine to which the instant invention is to beapplied.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the supports shown in Fig. 1 but illustratedwith the stop motion switches and certain other portions of the newsystem in position.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional view taken on theline 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view of a multiple plug and a groupof wires used in the electric circuit of the new stop motion system.

Fig. 5 is an elevational view of a multiple socket and a group of wires,and cables, of the new stop motion system.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary enlarged elevational view of a portion of Fig. 2looking in the direction of the line 66 thereof.

Fig. 7 is a schematic Wiring diagram of the new stop motion system.

Fig. 8 is a simplified schematic wiring diagram corresponding with Fig.7 but more clearly indicating the circuits.

The new stop motion system for knitting machines, in accordance withthis invention, includes a plurality of superimposed supports I8,

I I and I2 for supporting stop motion switches of a knitting machine.The supports I0 and II and I2, as illustrated, are in the nature ofwheels which are mounted upon vertical support rod I4. The support I2 isintended to be used for the stop motion switches which are in thevicinity of the yarn carriers, or needles of the knitting machine. Thesupports I0 and II are intended for the stop motion switches which areon the head of the knitting machine. The invention relates particularlyto the mechanism which is associated with the stop motion switches onthe supports I0 and II. It should be borne in mind that these supportsare usually close to the ceiling of a factory and diihcult to see andreach. The support I2 is usually below eye level and readily viewable.

A plurality of conductor strips l6, I1, I8 and I9 are indirectly mountedupon the support ID by being mounted on insulation strips 20 which aredirectly mounted on the support I8. As illustrated, the support I0 isprovided with four of these conductor strips though it should be bornein mind that any other suitable number may be used. The support II isprovided with complementary conductor strips 26, 21, 28 and 29 which areinsulated from each other because they are mounted on insulation strips30 directly mounted on the support II. It should be noted that theconductor strips 26, 21, 28 and 29 are arranged to be radially alignedwith the conductor strips I6, l1, I8, and I9 respectively. It should befurther noted that because the support I0 is above the support I I wemay refer to the conductor strips I6, II, I8 and I9 as being arranged insuperimposed positions of the conductor strips 26, 21, 28, and 29.

Each of the conductor strips referred to above is provided with a groupof automatic normally open stop motion switches which are adapted to beclosed by defects in or on the yarn or thread of the knitting machine.More specifically, the conductor strip I6 is connected with a group ofstop motion switches 32, the conductor strip I1 with a group of stopmotion switches 33, the conductor strip I8 with a group of stop motionswitches 34, and the conductor strip I9 with a group of stop motionswitches 35. These stop motion switches are mounted upon the support I0.Each of these stop motion switches is mounted on a radial arm 31 whichin turn is mounted on the support I0. Each of these stop motion switchesis grounded to the support I 0. A lead 38 connects the terminal of eachof these stop motion switches with its conductor strip, see Fig. 3. It'should be noted that the stop motion switches of each group areconnected in parallel between its conductor strip and the ground, seeFigs. 7 and 8.

A group of stop motion switches 40 is connected with the conductor strip26. A group of stop motion switches 4| is connected with the conductorstrip 21; a group of stop motion switches 42 is connected with theconductor strip 28, and a group of stop motion switches 43 is connectedwith the conductor strip 29. These stop motion switches are alsosupported on radial arms 3'! which are mounted on the support II. Eachof these stop motion switches is grounded to the support II and are inparallel with each other. Each is connected with its conductor strip bya lead 38, see Fig. 3.

A multiple plug electric socket 42 is mounted upon the bottom support IIand is adapted to receive a multiple plug 43' having leads 44a, 44b,

i6, i1, i8 and i9. These leads are electrically connected with saidconductor strips as illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. It should be notedthat when the plug 43' is removed from the socket 42' it is possible toremove the support i with all its stop motion switches as a unit. Halfof the plug 43' and socket 42 are coloured red to indicate correctengagement thereof. The stop motion switches upon the top support in maybe connected into the signal system by merely engaging the plug 43correctly into the socket 42. The socket 42 is provided with a terminal46 for receiving electric lines 58 which also connect with a transformer59. A pair of electric lines 58 are connected with and extend from theterminal 45. The sockets of the multiple socket 42 are connected withleads ia, 5ib, 5ic and 5id. These leads and said electric lines 58 aredivided and joined into a pair of cables 49, see Fig. 5, upon whichpacks 58 are mounted which contain resistors a, 15b, 15c and 15d morefully shown in the schematic wiring diagrams Figs. 7 and 8. From thepacks 58 where extends control circuit wires 80, 8 i, 82 and 83 whichconnect with the electric lines 58 and which are connected with signalsor signal lamps 16, 1|, 12 and 13 mounted on certain of the conductorstrips, namely 26, 21, '28 and 29 as will be clear from the schematicwiring diagrams Figs. 7 and 8. The unit illustrated in Fig. 5 ismanufactured and pre-assembled for the stop motion signal system tofacilitate mass production thereof.

The bottom support i2 is provided with a plurality of stop motionswitches 54 which are adapted to guard the yarn to the carriers of theknitting machine. The stop motion switches 54 are low down on themachine, at or below eye level, and may readily be inspected. For thisreason they are not connected with the electrical signalling systemwhich includes said lamps 18, 1|, 12 and 13, though it would be an easymatter to provide them with a signal, if desired. Each of the stopmotion switches 54 is grounded to the support l2. Each has a terminal 55which is engaged by a conductor strip 56 so as to connect the stopmotion switches 54 in parallel. A resistor 51 is connected in serieswith the conductor 56 and thus in series with the parallel connectedstop motion switches 54. The resistor 51 is mounted upon the support l2,see Figs. 2 and 6. It is connected in a circuit 19 with the electriclines 58 which connect with the current supplying transformer 53 of thestop motion system of the knitting machine. The electric lines 58connect with a terminal 66 mounted on a strip 6| insulated from thesupport l2 by insulation material 62. The strip 6i has another terminal63 to which is connected the electric lines 58 which extends upwards andis intended to be connected with the high tension terminal 46 of thesocket 42'.

The wiring of the stop motion system may best be understood by firstexamining schematic Fig.

I '7. The electric lines 58 are connected with the transformer 59 whichi'sgrounded by .the line 68' to the body of the knitting machine. Thecontroller 69 of the knitting machine is connected in series in theground line 68. The con- 6 shown in patent to Edward Vossen No.2,329,427.

The electric lines 58 at the terminal 66 connects with said resistor 51which is connected in series with the conductor strip 56. The terminal60 connects with the electric lines 58 which extends upwards andconnects with the terminal 46. From the terminal 46 the electric lines58 extends and connects in parallel, the signal lamps 10, H, 12 and 13mounted in series with the conductor strips 26, 21, 28 and 29,respectively. Resistors 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d are connected in parallelon the electric lines 58 and in series with leads 5ia, 5lb, 5ic and 5ld.connected in series with the conductor strips 26, 29, 21, and 28. Theresistors 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d are also connected in series with plug43 and socket 42' and with the lines 44a, 44b. 44c and 44d which connectwith the conductor strips i6, i9," and IS. The conductor strips i6, i9,I1 and i8 are in parallel with conductor strips 26, 29, 21 and 28respectively.

Up to this point we have reviewed the physical connections of thevarious parts of the stop motion system. Fig. 8 schematicallyillustrates'the circuits of the stop motion system in simplified form.The ground line is schematically indicated by the ground lead 68. Atesting switch 18 shunts the controller 68. The bottom group of stopmotion switches 54 are connected in the circuit 18. The switches 54 arein parallel with each other and in series with the resistor 51. Thecircuit 19 merely extends between the electric lines 58 and the ground68. Control circuits 80, iii, 82 and 83 are provided for thesuperimposed groups of the stop motion switches which are mounted on thetop and bottom supports ill and Ii, namely switches 32 and 40, 35 and43, 33 and 4|, and 34 and 42. The stop motion switches 32 are inparallel with each other. The stop motion switches 40 are in parallelwith each other. These groups of switches are connected in parallel witheach other. The circuit 80. includes the signal lamp 1D. The resistor15a shunts the signal lamp 16. The groups of-stop motion switches 32 and43 are connected in series with each other by line 5ia and the plug andsocket switch 43', 42', but in troller 69 is of the general type shownin patents to Edward Vossen No. 2,357,713 and No. 2,385,174.

The circuit through the controller ,69 is normally closed, When the contoller operates to stop the knitting machine/me circuit through thecontroller is opened.

parallel in the circuit 88.

The circuit 8 i includes the lamp 13 in series and includes the stopmotion switches 35 and 43 in parallel. The resistor 15b shunts thesignal lamp 13. The stop motion switches 35 and 43 are connected inseries by the plug 43' and socket 42'. The circuits 82' and 83 areprovided with the signal lamps 1i and 12, respectively, and areconnected with the groups of stop motion switches 33 and 4i, and 34 and42, respectively, as clearly shown in Fig. 8, and understandable fromthe detailed disclosure of the circuits'8ii and 8i which they resemble.

The operation. of the new stop motion system motion switch. When thetesting switch 18 is closed, the open circuit controller 69 is shunted.An electric circuit is now established from the transformer 55 throughthe switch 18 to the Normally the ground 68 and then through one or thecircuits 19, 80, 8|, 82 or 83 depending upon which one or switches areat eye level and readily accessible it is a simple matter to check them.

When one of the signal lamps (10, H, 12 or 13) light the operator merelymust check the stop motion switches in the particular group which thelit lamp represents. If none of these switches are in an off positionand the lamp lights then the operator must assume that one of theswitches has developed internal trouble and is short circuited/ He thenmust hunt for this. However, a situation of this kind is very. rare asthe stop motion switches are very reliable.

The function of the resistors 15a, 15b, 15c and lid is to shunt thesignal lamps 10, 13, II and 12, respectively. In this waya correctamount of current may flow through any of the circuits 80, ill, 82 and83 to the controller 69. Usually the signal lamps 10, H, 12 and 13 areof too great a resistance to permit sufiicient current to flow to thecontroller. Moreover, should any one of the signal lamps 10, 1| 12 and[3 become broken and have an open circuit the current may still flowthrough the resistors 15a, 15b, 15c and 'l5d and operate the controller69 to stop the knitting machine in the usual way.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of myinvention, it 'is to be understood that I do not limit myself to theprecise construction herein disclosed and the right is reserved to allchanges and modifications coming within the scope of the invention asdefined in the appended claims. V

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecureby United States Letters Patent is:

1. A stop motion system for knitting machines, comprising a plurality ofgroups of automatic normally open stop motion switches adapted to beclosed by defects in the yarn or thread of the knitting machine, a mainelectric circuit, a control circuit for each of said groups of switchesconnecting the switches of each group in parallel and said controlcircuits being connected in parallel with each other in said maincircuit, a controller for said knitting machine normally closed andconnected in series in said main circuit and adapted to open whenstopping said knitting machine, a signal in series with each of saidcontrol circuits, and a testing switch normally open and shunting saidcontroller.

2. A stop motion system for knitting machines, comprising a plurality ofgroups of automatic normally open stop motion switches adapted to beclosed by defects in the yarn or thread of the knitting machine, a mainelectric circuit, a control circuit for each of said groups of switchesconnecting the switches of each group in parallel and said controlcircuits being connected in parallel with each other in said maincircuit, a controller for said knitting machine normally closed andconnected in series in said main circuit and adapted to open whenstopping said knitting machine, a signal in series with each of saidcontrol circuits, a testing switch normally open and shuntmore of thestop motion switches is or are closed.

ing said controller, and a resistor shunting each of said signals andconnected in series with the stop motion switches of the control circuitof the signal.

3. A stop motion system for knitting machines, comprising a groundconnection, a support for supporting stop motion switches on a knittingmachine, a plurality of conductor strips insulated from each other andmounted on said support, a group of automatic normally open stop motionswitches adapted to be closed by defects in the yarn or thread of theknitting machine connected in parallel between said conductor strips andsaid ground connection, a main electric circuit including electric linesand said ground, a control circuit for each of said group of switchesand including in series the conductor strip of the particular group ofswitches and connected in parallel between said electric lines and saidground connection, a controller for said knitting machine normallyclosed and connected in series in said main circuit and adapted to openwhen stopping said knitting machine, a signal in series with each ofsaid control circuits, and a testing switch normally open and shuntingsaid controller.

4. A stop motion system for knitting machines, comprising a groundconnection, a support for supporting stop motion switches on a knittingmachine, a plurality of conductor strips insulated from each other andmounted on said support, a group of automatic normally open stop motionswitches adapted to be closed by defects in the yarn or thread of theknitting machine connected in parallel between said conductor strips andsaid ground connection, a main electric circuit including electric linesand said ground, a control circuit for each of said group of switchesand including in series the conductor strip of the particular group ofswitches and connected in parallel between said electric lines and saidround connection, a controller for said knitting machine normally closedand connected in series in said main circuit'and adapted to open whenstopping said knitting machine, a signal in series with each of saidcontrol circuits, a testing switch normally open and shunting saidcontroller, and a resistor shunting each of said signals, and connectedin series with the stop motion switches of the control circuit of thesignal.

5. A stop motion system for knitting machines.

comprising a plurality of supports for supporting stop motion switcheson a knitting machine, a

' plurality of conductor strips insulated from each,

other and mounted on said supports, amain electric circuit includingelectric lines and a ground, a group of automatic normally open stopmotion switches adapted to be closed by defects in the yarn or thread ofthe knitting machine for each conductor strip connected in parallelbetween said conductor strips and said ground, a control circuit foreach of said groups of switches and including in series the conductorstrips of one or more particular groups of switches, said controlcircuits being connected in parallel between said electric lines andsaid ground, a controller for said knitting machine normally closed andconnected in series in said main circuit and adapted to open whenstopping said knitting machine, a signal in series with each of saidcontrol circuits, and a testing switch normally open and shunting saidcontroller.

6. A stop motion system for knitting machines, comprising a plurality ofsupports for supporting stop motion switches on a knitting machine, aplurality of conductor strips insulated from each other and mounted onsaid supports. a main electric circuit including electric lines and aground,

a group of automatic normally open stop motion switches adapted to beclosed by defects in the yarn or thread of the knitting machine for eachconductor strip connected in parallel between said conductor strips andsaid ground, a control circuit for each of said groups of switches andincluding in series the conductor strips of one or more particulargroups of switches, said control circuits being connected in parallelbetween said electric lines and said groundra controller for saidknitting machine normally closed and connected in series in said maincircuit and adapted to open when stopping said knitting machine, asignal in series with each of said control circuits, a, testing switchnormally open and shunting said controller, and a resistor shunting eachof said signals and connected in series with the stop motion switches ofthe control circuit of the signal.

"I. A stop motion system for knitting machines,

comprising a plurality of superimposed supports for supporting stopmotion switches on a knitting machine, a plurality of conductor stripsinsulated from each other and mounted on each of said supports and theconductor strips of said supports being arranged in superimposedpositions, a main electric circuit including electric lines and aground, a group of automatic normally open stop motion switches adaptedto be closed by defects in the yarn or thread of the knitting machinefor each conductor strip connected in parallel between said conductorstrips and said ground, a control circuit for groups of said groups ofswitches and including the conductor strips thereof in parallel series,said control circuits beknitting machine, a signal in series with eachof said control circuits, and a testing switch normally open andshunting said controller, and a resistor shunting each of said signalsand connected in series with the stop motion switches of the controlcircuit of the signal.

9. A stop motion system for knitting machines, comprising a plurality ofgroups of automatic normally open stop motion switches adapted to beclosed by defects in the yarn or thread of the knitting machine, a mainelectric circuit, a control circuit for each of said groups of switchesconnecting the switches of each group in parallel and said controlcircuits being connected in parallel with each other in said maincircuit, a controller for said knitting machine normally closed andconnected in series in said main circuit and adapted to open whenstopping said knitting machine, a signal in series with each oi saidcontrol circuits, a testing switch normally open and shunting said com Imachine, and a control circuit for said latter group connecting theindividual switches of the latter group in parallel and being connectedin ing connected in parallel between said electric lines and saidground, a controller for said knitting machine normally closed andconnected in series in said main circuit and adapted ito open whenstopping said knitting machine, a "signal in series with each of saidcontrol circuits, and a testing switch normally open and shunting saidcontroller.

8. A stop motion system for knitting machines, comprising a plurality ofsuperimposed supports for supporting stop motion switches on a knittingmachine, a plurality of conductor strips insulated from eachotherandmounted on each of said supports and the conductor strips of saidsupports being arranged in superimposed positions, a main electriccircuit including electric lines and a ground, a group of automaticnormally open stop motion switches adapted to be closed by defects inthe yarn or thread of the knitting machine for each conductor stripconnected in parallel between said conductor strips and said ground, acontrol circuit for groups 01' said groups of switches and including theconductor strips thereof in parallel series, said control circuits beingconnected in parallel between said electric lines and said ground, acontroller for said knitting machine normally closed and connected inseries in said main circuit and adapted to open when stopping saidparallel withsaid other control circuits, and a resistor in saidlast-named control circuit.

10. A stop motion system for knitting machines, comprising a pluralityof groups of automatic normally open stop motion switches adapted to be.closed by defects in the yarn or thread of the knitting machine, a mainelectric circuit, a control circuit for each of the said' groups ofswitches connecting the switches of each group in parallel and saidcontrol circuits being connected in parallel with each other in saidmain circuit, a controller for said knitting machine normally closed andconnected in series in said main circuit and adapted to open whenstopping said knitting machine, a signal in series with each of saidcontrol circuits, a testing switch normally open and shunting saidcontroller, another group of automatic normally open stop motionswitches adapted to be closed by defects in the yarn or thread of theknitting machine, and a control circuit for said latter group connectingthe individual switches of the lattergroup in parallel and beingconnected in parallel with said other control circuits, and a resistorin said last-named control circuit, said last named control circuithaving a ground and electric lines by which it is connected in parallelwith said other control circuits.

EDWARD VOSSEN.

Country Date Number Great Britain Mar. 31, 1921

